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Communication Sciences and Disorders 610

COSD 610: Pediatric and Adult Dysphagia

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission

Credit Hours: (3)

Study of normal adult and infant swallow physiology related to various mechanical, structural, and neurological disorders of swallowing, including clinical and instrumental assessment methods and treatment strategies emphasizing a multi disciplinary approach to the whole patient. Lecture.

Detailed Description of Content of Course

Students will gain a thorough understanding of the phases of normal swallow physiology as a foundation on which to base clinical decision making for assessment and therapeutic needs of the dysphagic individual. The following topics will be included in the course:

1. Normal Aerodigestive Tract

A. Anatomic review of the structures involved in swallowing

1) oral

2) pharyngeal

3) laryngeal

4) esophageal

5) respiratory

B. Neural Control

1) Central Control

2) Peripheral Innervation

C. Biomechanics and bolus flow

1) bolus preparation

2) bolus propulsion

3) airway protection

4) swallow initiation and coordination

5) respiratory-swallow coordination

D. Developmental influences throughout the lifespan

1) early development of swallowing and feeding in infancy and childhood

Information will be presented via lecture including guest speakers, multimedia presentations, video taped samples of normal and abnormal swallowing disorders, student presentations., slides, and educational video tapes on a variety of dysphagic topics. Students may be required to view video tapes on reserve in the library for later class discussion. Students will engage in small group interaction to develop assessment and/or treatment approaches given case studies. Learning will culminate in a final case study project to be completed individually and which will require students to assimilate and integrate their knowledge of dysphagia through writing.

All students must complete and attain a minimum of 80% accuracy on a written competency based examination on normal swallow physiology to ensure a thorough understanding of normal. Additional assessments may include but not be limited to take-home projects targeting integration and application of material covered in class, presentation of research article (s) to the class, interpretation of videotaped imaging studies, and a case management project.